Muzzle loading apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

A muzzle loading apparatus of the present invention facilitates the introduction of projectiles and powder into muzzle load firearms. The muzzle loading apparatus includes a body with a plurality of preload tubes for containing powder (e.g., in pellet form) and projectiles, or a “shot.” A shot loading cap is rotatably coupled to an end of the body and includes a shot access aperture that may be aligned with each preload tube of the body for selective access to the contents of each preload tube. Methods of using such a muzzle loading apparatus are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/894,099, filed Mar. 6, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is, by this reference, hereby incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for introducing projectiles and powder into muzzle load firearms and, more specifically, to apparatus that contain a plurality of prearranged projectiles and powder pellets to enable quick-loading of muzzle load firearms. The present invention also relates to methods for introducing projectiles and powder into muzzle load firearms.

BACKGROUND

Originally, projectiles, such as bullets or ‘balls,” were introduced into all firearms through their muzzles. Muzzle load firearms have remained popular among many individuals.

In muzzle loading, gun powder, or, more simply, “powder,” is first introduced into the barrel of a firearm. A powder horn may be introduced into the muzzle of the barrel of a firearm, and powder may be poured down the barrel through the powder horn. Alternatively, a pellet of powder may be manually placed into muzzle of the barrel. Optionally, wadding may be introduced into the muzzle. As an alternative to the introduction of wadding before inserting the projectile into the muzzle, a base of the projectile may be wrapped in wadding, or cloth. The wadding creates a seal between the projectile and rifling inside the barrel of the firearm. Next, a projectile is inserted into the muzzle. The projectile may be followed by additional wadding. A push rod, which is also known as a “ram rod,” is then inserted into the muzzle and pushed into the barrel to force the projectile, powder, and any wadding to the back, or bottom, of the barrel.

Loading a single shot into a muzzle load firearm requires a substantial amount of time, and may prove to be problematic in situations such as hunting where rapid firing may be desirable. For example, if an individual shoots a muzzle load firearm at game and misses, the individual must reengage in the lengthy, multi-step reloading process before being able to fire another shot at the then quickly fleeing animal. This timely process can be a deterrent to successful hunting. Additionally, carrying all of the elements necessary to load a muzzle loader and fire the same in separate pouches can become cumbersome.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a muzzle loading apparatus of the present invention facilitates the introduction of projectiles and powder into muzzle load firearms. Such a muzzle loading apparatus includes a body with a plurality of preload tubes for containing powder (e.g., in pellet form) and projectiles, or a “shot.” A shot loading cap, which is coupled to and rotates relative to the body, includes a shot access aperture that may be aligned with each preload tube of the body for selective access to the contents of each preload tube. The shot loading cap may include an alignment feature, which facilitates alignment of the shot access aperture and, thus, of the preload tube in alignment with the shot access aperture and the contents of that preload tube, with the barrel of a muzzle load firearm.

An embodiment of use of muzzle loading apparatus includes rotating the shotloading cap until the shot access aperture is aligned with and exposes a preload tube that contains a projectile and powder. The shot access aperture is aligned with the barrel of a muzzle load firearm, and the contents (i.e., the powder, projectile, etc.) within the preload tube are emptied into the barrel. The muzzle loading apparatus may then be removed from the barrel of the firearm until another shot is needed.

In some embodiments of muzzle loading apparatus, a similar primer cap is located at an opposite, priming end of the body. The primer cap of such embodiments provides for selective access to a plurality of primer receptacles, which are formed in an opposite end of the body from the preload tubes.

According to another aspect, a short starter, or starting rod, which is configured to introduce a shot partially into the barrel of a firearm, may protrude from a muzzle loading apparatus according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the short starter protrudes from a side of the body of the muzzle loading apparatus. In a more specific embodiment, the short starter may be removably retained by a receptacle in the body. In use, an individual grasps the body and inserts the short starter into the barrel of a firearm within which a shot has already been introduced. The short starter may be inserted until the body of the muzzle loading apparatus abuts the muzzle of the firearm. Thereafter, the short starter may be removed from the barrel.

In another embodiment, the muzzle loading apparatus may also act as a so-called “palm saver.” In one such embodiment, one or more push rod receptacles may be formed in a side of the body so that an individual may grasp the body, rather than the end of the push rod, to force shot into the barrel of a muzzle load firearm. In use, one end of a push rod of a muzzle load firearm may be inserted into the barrel of the firearm, while the other end may be inserted into a push rod receptacle. The individual may grasp the body of the muzzle loading apparatus to force the push rod and the shot into the barrel. The muzzle loading apparatus may then be removed from the push rod and the individual may grasp the push rod to withdraw the same from the barrel.

Other aspects, as well as features and advantages, of the present invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side view of an embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 1B and 1C are perspective view of the embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a top view of the embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus depicted in FIGS. 1A through 1C, showing an exterior surface of a shot loading cap of the muzzle loading apparatus;

FIG. 2A is a top view of the embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus shown in FIGS. 1A through 1D;

FIGS. 2B and 2C are perspective views of the body illustrated by FIG. 2A, showing an end of the body;

FIG. 2D is a side view of body of FIGS. 2A through 2C;

FIG. 2E is a cross section taken along line 2E-2E of FIG. 2D;

FIG. 2F is a bottom view of the body shown in FIGS. 2A through 2E;

FIG. 3A is a bottom view of a shot loading cap of the muzzle loading apparatus depicted in FIGS. 1A through 1D;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the cap of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a side view of the cap shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 3D is a top view of the cap of FIGS. 3A through 3C;

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of a primer access cap of the muzzle loading apparatus depicted in FIGS. 1A through 1D;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the cap of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a side view of the cap shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B; and

FIG. 4D is a top view of the cap of FIGS. 4A through 4C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1A through 1D, an embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus 1 of the present invention is depicted. Muzzle loading apparatus 10 includes a body 12 with opposing ends 14 and 16 and a shot loading cap 50 at one end 14. In some embodiments, muzzle loading apparatus 10 may include another, primer access cap 60 at the opposite end 16 of body 12.

The embodiment of body 12 shown in FIGS. 2B through 2E comprises an elongate element. In the illustrated embodiment, body 12 is substantially cylindrical in shape.

A plurality of preload tubes 18 are formed in and extend longitudinally through body 12, with each preload tube 18 opening to end 14 of body 12. Preload tubes 18 are arranged around a central axis A_(B) that extends longitudinally through body 12, with central, longitudinally extending axes A_(P) of all of the preload tubes 18 being located the same radial distance from central axis A_(B). In the illustrated embodiment, body 12 includes three preload tubes 18.

As shown in FIG. 2B, each preload tube 18 is configured to receive a projectile 74 and a quantity of powder 72. In the illustrated example, powder 72 in the form of a pellet, may be introduced into each preload tube 18. As shown, a preload tube 18 may contain three pellets of powder 72. Preload tube 18 may, however, be loaded with more or less powder 72, depending upon the desires of the individual using a firearm that will shoot projectile 74.

Each preload tube 18 may have dimensions (e.g., a diameter) configured to receive a large caliber projectile 74 (e.g., a 0.50 caliber bullet). A sleeve 19 with an opening having smaller dimensions (e.g., diameter) may be inserted into each preload tube 18 so preload tube 18 can accommodate smaller caliber projectiles 74.

One or more primer receptacles 20 may extend into end 16 of some embodiments of body 12, such as that illustrated by FIG. 2E. As depicted, primer receptacles 20 may be longitudinally aligned, but not fully communicate, with preload tubes 18. Each primer receptacle 20 may be configured to receive and retain one or more muzzle load primers (e.g., a 209 primer, a #11 primer, etc.).

The embodiment of body 12 depicted by FIGS. 2B through 2E also includes an optional, longitudinally extending dummy tube 22. Dummy tube 22 may, in some embodiments, extend through substantially the entire length of body 12 or, in other embodiments, as illustrated, dummy tube 22 may include separate sections 22 a and 22 b that respectively extend partially into ends 14 and 16 of body 22. A central, longitudinal axis A_(D) of dummy tube 22 may be located the same radial distance from axis A_(B) of body 12 as axes A_(P) of preload tubes 18. Dummy tube 22 may, as described in further detail hereafter, serve as a reference point for the restriction of access to preload tubes 18 and their contents. Dummy tube 22 may also be configured to at least partially receive and store a short starter 80 (FIG. 2B).

As shown in FIG. 2C, some embodiments of muzzle loading apparatus 10 may include a body 12 one or more receptacles 24 (which are individually illustrated as receptacles 24 a, 24 b, 24 c) extending into a side wall 11 thereof. In embodiments that include a dummy tube 22, receptacles 24 may open to dummy tube 22 or, as depicted by FIG. 2E, extend into a solid region of body 12 between spaced apart sections 22 a and 22 b of dummy tube 22. Receptacles 24 may be configured to receive and at least temporarily retain a short starter 80 (FIG. 2B) and/or a push rod (not shown) of a muzzle load firearm (not shown).

Body 12 may also, in various embodiments, include a number of other optional features. One example of such a feature is the attachment element 26 shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, which may be configured to engage a receive and retain a carrying element (not shown), such as a lanyard, a retractor of the type configured to be carried by a belt worn around an individual's waist, a key ring, or the like, that facilitates carrying of muzzle loading apparatus 10 by an individual, as well as ready access to muzzle loading apparatus 10 by the individual.

Another example of optional feature is the engagement feature 28 that is best illustrated by FIG. 2C and, in the depicted embodiment, is aligned with receptacles 24. Engagement feature 28 may comprise a beveled knob, or protuberance, that protrudes from side wall 11 of body 12 and is configured to be received by and retain a complementary feature of an accessory, such as an aperture 42 of the illustrated embodiment of deprimer 40 (FIG. 1C) (which may be configured in any suitable manner known in the art), that may be at least temporarily secured to and used in conjunction with muzzle loading apparatus 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2F, body 12 of the depicted embodiment of muzzle loading apparatus 10 may also include one or more alignment features 30. As illustrated, alignment features 30 may comprise detents, or depressions, in ends 14 and 16 of body 12, and may be configured to receive complementarily configured features 52, 62 (FIGS. 3A through 3C and 4A through 4C) that protrude from caps 50 and 60 (FIGS. 1A through 1C), as described in further detail hereafter.

Additionally, one or more engagement pin receptacles 34 and 36 may extend longitudinally along axis A_(B) and open to ends 14 and 16 of body 12, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2E, and 2F.

With returned reference to FIGS. 1A through 1C, an embodiment of the manner in which caps 50 and 60 may be secured to body 12 is illustrated. In the depicted embodiment, engagement pins 38 are used to secure caps 50 and 60 to body 12. More specifically, an engagement pin 38 may extend through a central aperture 58 (FIGS. 3A through 3D), 68 (FIGS. 4A through 4D) of each caps 50, 60, and into a respective engagement pin receptacle 34, 36 (FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2E, and 2F). Each engagement pin 38 may be engaged by or retained by its corresponding engagement pin receptacle 34, 36. A head 39 on each engagement pin 38 may retain each cap 50, 60 in position against its corresponding end 14, 16 of body 12, while allowing each cap 50, 60 to rotate about its corresponding engagement pin 38.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, each cap 50, 60 may include at least one alignment feature 52, 62 at its interior surface 51, 61. Each alignment feature 52, 62 may be configured to engage or to be engaged by a corresponding alignment feature 30 (FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2F) at an end 14, 16 of body 12. In the depicted embodiment, each alignment feature 52, 62 comprises a protrusion, such as a nub or a resilient element (e.g. a spring biased ball), that protrudes from interior surface 51, 61 of cap 50, 60 so as to engage an alignment feature 30 upon rotation of cap 50, 60 into a position where alignment features 30 and 52, 62 interact with one another. Although in the depicted embodiment each cap 50, 60 includes a single alignment element 52, 62, other embodiments of caps 50, 60 may include more than one alignment element 52, 62. In a more specific embodiment, each cap 50, 60 may include an alignment element 52, 62 for each alignment element 30 of its corresponding end 14, 16 of body 12.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B and additional reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D, cap 50 includes a shot access aperture 54. As cap 50 is rotated relative to body 12 (FIGS. 1A through 2E), shot access aperture 54 may be selectively rotated into alignment with each preload tube 18 (FIGS. 2A through 2C, 2E, and 2F) and dummy tube 22 (FIGS. 2A through 2C, 2E, and 2F). As cap 50 is rotated into alignment with a particular preload tube 18 or dummy tube 22, alignment feature 52 may interact with an alignment feature 30 (FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2F) at end 14 of body 12, holding cap 50 in place and, thus, maintaining the alignment of shot access aperture 54 with that preload tube 18 or dummy tube 22. When all of the preload tubes 18 are filled, their contents may be retained by rotating cap 50 to a position where shot access aperture 54 is aligned with dummy tube 22.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, an exterior surface 55 of cap 50 may include a barrel alignment feature 56, which facilitates the alignment of shot access aperture 54 with the barrel of a firearm (not shown). In a more particular embodiment, barrel alignment feature 56 may comprise a feature that protrudes from exterior surface 55, that circumscribes shot access aperture 54, and that is configured to receive the muzzle of the barrel of the firearm.

As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4D, cap 60 may include a primer access aperture 64. As cap 60 is rotated relative to body 12 (FIGS. 1A through 2E), primer access aperture 64 may be selectively rotated into alignment with each primer receptacle 20 (FIG. 2F) and dummy tube 22 (FIGS. 2A through 2C, 2E, and 2F). As cap 60 is rotated into alignment with a particular primer receptacle 20 or dummy tube 22, alignment feature 62 may interact with an alignment feature 30 at end 16 of body 12, holding cap 60 in place and, thus, maintaining the alignment of primer access aperture 64 with that primer receptacle 20 or dummy tube 22.

Each cap 50, 60 may, in some embodiments, include gripping features 59, 69 to facilitate its rotation relative to body 12. In the specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 4D, such gripping features 59, 69 include longitudinally extending ridges and indentations around the periphery of each cap 50, 60. Without limiting the scope of the present invention, other embodiments of gripping features 59, 69 include the use of a non-slip material (e.g., a rubber material), texturing, straight edges (i.e., cap 50, 60 may have the shape of a polygon or a rounded shape with opposed flat edges instead of the circular shape shown), or the like, that enable an individual to firmly grip and rotate cap 50, 60, particularly when alignment features 52, 62 of cap 50, 60 interact with alignment features 30 of body 12 (FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2F).

With returned reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C, a shot 70, including powder 72 and a projectile 74, may be introduced into each preload tube 18 of a muzzle loading apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention by rotating shot access aperture 54 of cap 50 into alignment with each preload tube 18 to provide access thereto. When all of the preload tubes 18 are filled, cap 50 may be rotated to a storage position where shot access aperture 54 is aligned with dummy tube 22, with cap 50 remaining in that position until a shot 70 is needed. With reference to FIGS. 2E and 2F, primer receptacles 20 may be similarly filled by rotating primer access aperture 64 of cap 60 into alignment with primer receptacles.

In an embodiment of a method for using muzzle loading apparatus 10, cap 50 may be rotated to a position in which shot access aperture 54 is aligned with a preload tube 18 that contains a shot 70. Shot access aperture 54 may then be aligned with the barrel of a firearm and the shot 70 within the exposed preload tube 18 may then be transferred (e.g., by gravity) into the barrel of the firearm. If desired, the shot 70 may be partially forced into the barrel by orienting muzzle loading apparatus 10 so a short starter 80 that protrudes from a receptacle 24 in side wall 11 of body 12 is substantially aligned with the barrel, then introducing short starter 80 into the barrel. Afterwards, short starter 80 may be withdrawn from the barrel. If desired, an end of a push rod of the firearm may be introduced into another receptacle 24 in side wall 11 and, while grasping body 12 of muzzle loading apparatus 10, an individual may force the push rod into the barrel of the firearm. As these processes may be conducted in a matter of seconds, the individual may quickly and easily load, shoot, and reload a muzzle load firearm.

In some embodiments, it may be necessary or desirable to remove a primer from a trigger mechanism of the firearm. In such embodiments, deprimer 40 may be rotated to a position where it protrudes from muzzle loading apparatus 10 and it may be used to remove the primer.

Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not exceed the scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention as disclosed herein which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are to be embraced thereby. 

1. A muzzle loading apparatus, comprising: a body including a shot loading end and a plurality of preload tubes that open to the shot loading end, each preload tube of the plurality being configured to receive a projectile and powder; and a shot loading cap rotatably secured to the shot loading end of the body and including a shot access aperture selectively alignable with each of the plurality of preload tubes.
 2. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shot loading cap includes a barrel alignment feature on an exterior surface thereof.
 3. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 2, wherein the barrel alignment feature is configured to receive a muzzle of a firearm and to align the shot access aperture with the muzzle.
 4. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the body further includes a primer access end and a plurality of primer receptacles that open to the primer access end, each primer receptacle of the plurality being configured to receive a primer for use with a muzzle load firearm; and further comprising: a primer access cap rotatably secured to the primer access end of the body and including a primer access aperture alignable with each primer receptacle of the body.
 5. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body includes a side wall with at least one receptacle therein.
 6. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one receptacle is configured to receive a push rod of a muzzle load firearm in an orientation in which the body is used as a palm saver.
 7. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 6, wherein the body includes at least another receptacle in the side wall.
 8. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a starter rod protruding from the at least another receptacle.
 9. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at least one alignment feature for retaining a rotated position of the shot loading cap relative to the body.
 10. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: at least one alignment feature for retaining a rotated position of the primer access cap relative to the body.
 11. A method for muzzle loading a firearm, comprising: introducing a shot including powder and a projectile into each preload tube of a plurality of preload tubes of a muzzle loading apparatus; orienting a cap of the muzzle loading apparatus to a storage position to inhibit access to the shot within each preload tube of the plurality; exposing a shot within a preload tube through an aperture of the cap; aligning the aperture of the cap with a muzzle of a firearm; and transferring the shot from the preload tube to the barrel of the firearm.
 12. The method 11, wherein orienting the cap and exposing the shot comprise rotating the cap.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein aligning comprises engaging the muzzle with an alignment feature on the cap.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein transferring is effected by way of gravity.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: engaging an end of at least one of a starting rod and a push rod with a receptacle in a body of the muzzle loading apparatus; grasping the body of the muzzle loading apparatus; and while grasping the body, forcing the starting rod or the push rod and the shot into the barrel of the firearm.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: exposing another shot within another preload tube of the muzzle loading apparatus through the aperture of the cap; aligning the aperture of the cap with the muzzle of the firearm; and transferring the another shot from the another preload tube to the barrel of the firearm.
 17. A muzzle loading apparatus, comprising: a body including a shot loading end and a plurality of preload tubes that open to the shot loading end, each preload tube of the plurality being configured to receive a projectile and powder; a shot loading cap rotatably secured to the shot loading end of the body and including a shot access aperture selectively alignable with each of the plurality of preload tubes; and a shot, including powder and a projectile, within at least one preload tube of the plurality.
 18. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a carrying element secured to the body.
 19. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: a deprimer at least temporarily secured to the body.
 20. The muzzle loading apparatus of claim 19, wherein the deprimer is rotatable to an extended position that facilitates removal of a primer from a trigger mechanism of a firearm. 